Mr Ghosn, a towering figure in the car industry, will be sacked from the Japanese firm after a board meeting on Thursday, its chief executive said.

He has been accused of "significant acts of misconduct", including under-reporting his pay package and personal use of company assets.

Nissan said it was unable to give further details on the offences.

Japanese prosecutors have yet to comment on Mr Ghosn's arrest.

Nissan is the world's sixth-largest carmaker and its site in Sunderland is the UK's biggest car plant.

"I feel despair, indignation and resentment." said Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa at a news conference. "As the details are disclosed I believe that people will feel the same way as I feel today."